Codes and Frequencies
Description
For sample persons age 18 and older who were employed in the past two weeks, WEXHSUB reports whether she/he believes she/he is exposed to harmful substances in her/his current job if they were to be breathed in or get on skin.
This variable was introduced in 1985 as part of a series of variables with information on occupational safety and health. For related variables, please use the IPUMS NHIS search function and drop-down menus.
Comparability
The wording of the question changed slightly over the years. In 1985, it was: "In the present job, are you exposed to any substances that could endanger your health, such as chemicals, dusts, fumes, or gases?" In 1987, it changed to: "On the current job, are you exposed to any substances that would be harmful if you breathed them or got them on your skin?" In 1992, it changed again to: "On your current job, do you work with any substances that you believe may be harmful if you breathed them or got them on your skin?" These slight changes may reduce comparability over time. Please see the Survey Text tab for more details.
Changes in survey design (e.g., quarters in which the supplement was collected) may affect raw frequencies, but do not affect comparability of the variable. As always, data users should use the prescribed IHIS weights.
Universe
- 1985: Sample persons age 18+ who were employed in the past 2 weeks.
- 1987: Half of sample persons age 18+ (excluded from CAEP supplement) who had a job in the past 2 weeks.
- 1992: Half of sample persons age 18+ in quarters 1 and 2, and in 2 weeks of quarter 3 (excluded from CACT supplement) who had a job in the past 2 weeks.
Availability
- 1985, 1987, 1992
Weights
- 1985, 1987, 1992 : SAMPWEIGHT
